1. Paint.

2-6. Make the bed the focal point of the room, centered underneath a window.

7-8. Anchor the bed with a rug and bedside tables with storage.

9-11. Add a classic chair and ottoman.

12-14. Create workstations, one near the dormer window and another across the room.

15-18. Include plenty of lighting.

Tell us about your design challenge: Find out how

Perez's two-year-old son is moving into a "big boy" room with his older brother, and she would like to convert the 11-by-17-foot nursery into a guest room and office. "Between the multiple doors and windows and changes in the original [floor] plan, the room has a lot of interrupted wall space," Perez writes in an e-mail. "We are wondering how to put in two desks, bookshelves and enough sleeping space for two adults."

Create zones for the two functions. To make the most of the dormer window space and slanted walls, consider calling in a carpenter to build custom office furniture. Recessed lights along the room's perimeter will provide ambient lighting. Painting all walls the same color will make the ceiling appear higher. Sheer tie-back curtains and a Roman shade valance will let in natural light and can be closed for guests' privacy. The designer recommends Studio Bianco in Alexandria.